Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Ruhullah Mehdi has voiced strong criticism against the Jammu and Kashmir administration, alleging that principals of government medical colleges are pressuring intern doctors to discontinue their ongoing protest over an enhanced stipend. The accusations come a day after the Union Territory’s Health Minister acknowledged the interns’ demands as “genuine.” Mehdi, a prominent political figure in the region, has formally requested explanations from both the Health Minister and the college principals.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that MP Mehdi dispatched separate letters to Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo and the principals of the concerned medical colleges. In his correspondence to the Health Minister, Mehdi highlighted a perceived shift in the administration’s approach. He noted that for the preceding week, the dispute had been openly discussed, with interns presenting their case, the administration acknowledging its validity, and an advisor to the Chief Minister even setting a timeline for resolution.
However, Mehdi stated that he has since been informed that principals of government medical colleges have begun issuing warnings to the interns, indicating potential repercussions if they do not cease their indefinite strike. The MP questioned the authority behind these alleged coercive measures, seeking clarification on whether these instructions originated from the department or if the principals were acting autonomously based on their interpretation of the government’s wishes. He emphasized that if the principals are acting independently, it represents a deviation from the government’s stated position and requires correction.
Mehdi articulated his concern that a government publicly recognizing a demand as legitimate while privately employing institutional heads to exert pressure on those making the demand is presenting a contradictory message. He warned that such dual messaging would be noticed and could lead to consequences far outweighing the stipend issue.
The Srinagar MP underscored the dedication of young doctors, emphasizing their nine years of rigorous training and their critical role in staffing casualty wards. He asserted that peaceful protest is a constitutional right that medical interns do not forfeit by virtue of their white coats. He urged the Health Minister to intervene and halt any undue pressure being applied to the interns within the college corridors.
Mehdi also pointed out that despite assurances from the Health Minister, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had not yet issued a formal order announcing the enhanced stipend and a guarantee against punitive action for the protesters. He explained that previous assurances had dissolved, which is the primary reason the young doctors remain on strike.
In his separate communication to the college principals, Mehdi acknowledged their position but also appealed to their relationship with the students. He reminded them of the nine years they have spent mentoring these individuals, who are now seeking a stipend comparable to that received by interns across the country. He reiterated that this demand has been acknowledged as genuine by the Health Minister, endorsed by the Chief Minister, and recommended by a government committee in 2023.
The MP reiterated that peaceful protest is a constitutional right for trainees, and he urged the principals to support the students’ demands. He expressed hope that they would work to ensure the government resolves the matter favorably and suggested that the students would remember the stance taken by their institutions during this period.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
